Cipher Auto Enhanced Leather Steering Wheel for NA

I hardly ever write reviews. But this product is so satisfactory that I thought it deserved the time. Just excellent in all respects. The contours of the wheel include strategically placed thumb rests and palm rests that provide excellent support and control in any driving position. The flat bottom is just right, easing ingress and egress. The leather is tight, clearly durable. The padding is just what you expect. Stitching, perfectly done.

And it mates flawlessly with the airbag module. When I had that item between steering wheels, I used a toothbrush and some Fabuloso to deeply clean it, then rinsed it well and applied Mothers VLR before mating it to the new Cipher wheel. Cleaned thoroughly, it matches perfectly.

In sort, I can't find a flaw in it. Sure, it costs a bit, but in the context of car maintenance and better than a quarter century of service out of the original wheel, it's easy to justify.

I don't believe Mazda ever bothered to index the splines on the steering wheels. You're going to have to do some adjustment to the tie rod ends, or a full new alignment, to properly center it after installation. Expect that; it's not something the manufacturer can account for.

Good job, Cipher. Hopefully you'll reconsider and do a run of these every once in a while.

-- Bob C., Nebraska ( 1995 Miata M Edition ) July 2023

Feels great in the hand and looks terrific. The extra leg room is appreciated and the grip from the "shaped" wheel is fantastic. Plenty of neck snapping turns in my future!

The materials are nicer than the airbag and there is a slight difference in finish noted between the new wheel and what is now a 30+ year old air bag, which is understandable.

The small, slightly unpleasant surprise is that it looks like I am going to need to get an alignment to make my wheel straight again. After several tries, my results are cocked left or cocked right... oh bother...

-- Edward S., Fairfield, CT ( MX5 1991 ) July 2023